Minister Moran confirms funding for development of Lakelands tourism project

Lakelands brand to sit alongside Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East as part of €33m investment in new tourism products

Minister of State and Longford/Westmeath TD has confirmed funding has been secured for the development of a Lakelands tourism project.

The development of a tourism brand for the Lakelands will be part of a €33m investment in new tourism products which confirms the commitment given in the Programme for Partnership Government.

Minister Moran said he was delighted to confirm that an additional funding of almost €33m for tourism product development in the Mid-term Review of the Capital Plan has been made, bringing the total amount available to almost €160m.

The new funding commitments were announced by Minister for Tourism Shane Ross, in the Dail this morning (Wednesday).

The existing Capital Plan for 2016-2022 provides an allocation of almost €126m for tourism product development. Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Investment Strategy 2016-2022 lays out the funding streams and delivery mechanisms for this allocation.

Minister Moran said the extra funding will allow Fáilte Ireland to progress the development of a brand for the Lakelands region as a separate proposition to sit alongside the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East.

“This is excellent news as it is something that I have campaigned strongly for since entering the Dail and fulfils the commitment given in the Programme for Government,” said Minister Moran.

A detailed breakdown on the development of the Lakelands tourism project will be announced jointly by Minister Ross and Minister Moran.